Attractions In Lochalsh

There are many attractions to enjoy when you come and visit Lochalsh. From the rich history, magnificent views, and the friendly locals, you are sure to have a lot of fun throughout your stay. The challenge is not in finding what to do – but in choosing which of them you will prioritise!

How to choose among the attractions in Lochalsh

If you want to narrow your options, you need to focus on what you and your family want to experience. In case you are not the outdoorsy type of family, then you might want to stay away from the nature trails and hiking tours. You can stick to the day tours that visit castles and museums. There are scenic tours that can be done by boat, by bus or by train. This can be a great option if you have small kids with you.But if you do not mind walking a lot and you do not have small kids with you, then you have more options before you. There are so many places to explore – like the brochs of Glenelg, the picturesque village of Plockton, and even the beautiful scenery and abandoned villages in the Isle of Skye.

At night, you have the different pubs and restaurants that locals frequent. Some of these even play the old folklore music that is reminiscent of the history and culture of Scotland. You can visit the natural habitat of seals and even hike to one of the highest waterfalls in Scotland – the Falls of Glomach.

There are also several art galleries that you can visit to satisfy your cultural thirst and also various shops that can help you get souvenirs from your trip.

Different attractions to visit in Lochalsh

So what are the specific attractions that you can visit in Lochalsh?

Applecross

This is a peninsula that offers a great view from the summit. Reaching it is quite an adventure too as it makes you journey towards steep drops and hairpin bends. You can go to the village of Applecross and go north to the Loch Torridon – where more beautiful scenery awaits you. It will take you to the picturesque village of Shieldaig and Plockton. When you get to the beautiful fishing village of Plockton, you can opt to go sea kayaking to witness the beautiful marine wildlife underwaters.

Eilean Donan Castle

This is one of the most famous castles in this part of Scotland. It was an ancient stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae. It was fully restored after being destroyed by the government forces during the Jacobite wars. It is a favourite wedding destination mostly because of the beautiful views and the three lochs that meet right where it stands.

Glenelg

This is a great destination if you are after the historical background of Scotland. This is where you will find most of the brochs – round hollow towers that were believed to be 2000 years old. It is not clear who built these and if these towers were used for military or farming purposes. That obscurity makes is more mysterious and interesting to visit. In Glenelg, you will also find the ruined barracks of General Wade’s army. You can ride a ferry to tour the surrounding areas and explore the different sights around it.

Here are the other attractions that you can consider visiting when you get to Lochalsh.

Attadale Gardens in Strathcarron. This is a beautiful 20-acre garden with bridges and waterfalls – a truly magnificent sight.

Balmacara estate. This place is perfect for woodland walks and exploration. It is a 2,550- hectare of land that is a part of the National Trust for Scotland.

Kyle of Lochalsh. There are so many things to do in this place – one of them is riding the wildlife cruises where you get on a glass-bottomed boat for some underwater viewing. This should be a great activity for the whole family.

Kyle Line. This is a Scotrail train that you can hop on to tour the scenic route of the coastline, mountains, rivers, and of course, the Loch Carron. This is a two-and-a-half-hour ride that will expose the beautiful landscapes of the Highlands.

Glenshiel. In this place, you can find adorable ponies that you can actually ride! They will take you to scenic tours too – around an hour long.

Dinosaur Museum. This can be found in Staffin. It showcases the dinosaur footprints that were found within the area.

Dunvegan Castle. This is the castle owned by the MacLeods – one of the prominent clans in Skye.

Duntulm Castle. This is the abandoned castle in Skye that is owned by the MacDonald Clan.

St Columba ruins. This used to be the cathedral church of the Bishops of the Isles’.

As you can see, there are so many attractions in Lochalsh that you can pursue to help you enjoy the beautiful sights of the Highlands.